The announcement sets the stage for a lucrative electoral battle between BJP's Union minister Pralhad Joshi, who is seeking nomination from the seat for the fifth consecutive time, and the Lingayat saint.

Speaking to reporters here, Dangleshwar Swamy said that he is contesting the elections because the BJP is ignoring the Lingayats in Karnataka.

"BJP has gone against social justice in allotment of tickets," he said.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the BJP's behavior towards the Lingayat community, he said: "This is a war declared by religious saints against selfish politicians."

The Lingayat seer also reportedly stressed on his aim to defeat Union Minister Joshi, highlighting the grievances faced by the people under Joshi's leadership.

The watcher also claimed that Joshi's exercise of power has had detrimental effects, including the removal of Yediyurappa from the CM post.

Meanwhile, Yediyurappa has urged the Lingayat community to unite in support of Joshi.

The Union minister is facing competition not only from Lingayat religious leader but also from Congress candidate Vinod Asuti.